Modern Deism: A Primer
by Joseph Hardwick

If I were to ask the majority of people to raise their hands if they have heard of Deism, very few hands would go up. Like most, you have probably never heard of Deism unless you have taken a college philosophy and/or seminary course. Deism started as a small religion that was created some 200 years ago and was primarily the belief of the intellectual class. Many of the American Founding Fathers were Deists, or incorporated Deistic thought, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Paine and George Washington.

Traditionally, many of the men and women who were Deists viewed it as a personal philosophy. It remained small, and with no organization it fell out of the scene during the Evangelical Christian revival movement of the 1800's. However, contrary to reports of its demise, it stayed alive but small. Today, Deism is seeing resurgence in popularity, with it growing 717% from 1991 to 2001. Its growth is partly due to the increased availability and communication of the Internet, and because this philosophy kept its classical roots while evolving into a more modern and inclusive interpretation.

While there are no "official" of tenets Deism, many of the following unofficial tenets might be the best way to introduce generally accepted beliefs within Deism. The unofficial tenets are:

1. Belief in God based on Reason, Experience and Nature (nature of the universe). Essentially, by way of Reason, God's existence is revealed by observation of nature and our own experiences.

2. Belief that the nature of God is generally unknown to humanity at this time and that human language is inadequate to define God. However, man can theorize and speculate on what this possible nature is.

3. Belief that God does not create absolute moral law, but that humans are born with basic bio-moral/bio-ethical principles, and by using Reason we can develop and implement these principles.

4. Belief that Reason and Respect should be performed in all aspects of
our daily lives, and this includes respecting other alternative views and opinions of God (other religions).

5. Belief that God should be honored in a way that the individual believes is best.

6. Belief that all men and women are created equal to each other with
inherent self-worth so that no human is greater than another. Essentially, each human is equal in his or her ability to have a unique and profound relationship with God.

Most Deists agree with these basic tenets and regard Deism as a religion. Deists may expand on these beliefs and add personal touches. This is appropriate as Deism is based on Reason, and Reason tells us that humans are freethinkers who must develop their own beliefs.

Deists develop a belief in God based on our ability to Reason. Through Reason we use rational daily experiences and the order (complexity) found in nature to come to a belief in God. Some Deists see design in nature, and through this design they also see purpose in the universe (and in their lives). Others see God and the universe as a co-creative process. Of course, there are other views as well. Experience is used to come to an understanding of how (and if) God impacts our lives. The overall view of Deism is to use Reason, Experience and Nature.

Deism is a belief system that thrives on diversity of thought. Modern Deism incorporates the latest interpretations found in the areas of physics/quantum physics, biology, evolution and other scientific fields. However, Modern Deism is dynamic in that in integrates classical and modern viewpoints with the wisdom of the past and the discoveries of the present.

Deism no longer only sees God in the classical view as separate from his creation (only transcendent). Nor does it try to define God in any other way. This is because we cannot define God based on Reason; we can only come to determine that God exists. Therefore, Deists have different views on what they believe the nature of God to be. Some Deists are classical while others are not, but each is respected and finds a home in Modern Deism.

Without a God that creates absolute moral law, how can man be a moral being? Essentially, Deists answer this in two parts. The first is that through universal laws/principles we are born with bio-morals/bio-ethics for the survival of the species. The second is that we are born with the ability to Reason and we use this Reason to develop these principles. Many Deists live by one of the most ancient moral principles that has existed since man began to record his beliefs, the Golden Rule.

Deists view humans as freethinkers who are created equal with basic rights. Therefore, we must respect other viewpoints and ideas regarding God. This includes other religions that Deists may disagree with, but they respect the realization that each person must find their own path to God. This desire for respect is also used in day-to-day life as well.

Deists many times do not worship God as much as they honor God. They may do this many different ways. Some like to meet and discuss philosophy, science and religion. Others may pray to thank God for the life they have had. Some may meditate. Honoring God is done many different ways and is up to the individual to decide what works best for them.

Deism has evolved into this modern form because it uses Reason as its primary tool. The tool of Reason allows the Deist to grow and mature his/her belief over time and thus strengthens the belief. Furthermore, we realize that human knowledge is limited, and different views must be allowed to exist under the umbrella of Deism so that it remains inclusive and dynamic. Ultimately, it is the Deist who, centering his belief within Reason, develops a profound relationship with God.